Hernandez announces candidacy for City Council

Gay Oak Cliff resident to seek District 3 Council seat

Joseph Hernandez

A gay Oak Cliff resident became the first candidate to announce his intention to run in the 2007 Dallas City Council election this week when Joseph Hernandez declared his candidacy for the District 3 Council seat.

Gay incumbent Ed Oakley will not run for re-election because he has thrown his hat into the ring in the race to replace Mayor Laura Miller in the spring elections.

“I want to bring a strong neighborhood and quality-of-life focus to the Dallas City Council, along with an emphasis on stronger economic development and growth in the southern sector of our city,” Hernandez said in a written statement released Wednesday, Dec. 27, following his formal announcement during a press conference that morning at the Belmont Hotel.

“Dallas, especially south of the Trinity, is on the cusp of a renaissance that could cause it to leap ahead of other major Texas cities. I have already been a small part of that adventure, so I want to continue the momentum to make it happen as best I can,” Hernandez’ statement said.

Hernandez, a vice president with Northern Trust Bank, touted his public service and grassroots community work in District 3 and throughout the city. He said he has worked with economic redevelopment groups, has been on the Human Service Commission, vice chair of the Landmark Commission and on the board of commissioners for the Dallas Housing Authority.

He has also been president of the Wynnewood North Neighborhood Association and president of the Fort Worth Avenue Development Group.